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Kenya's First Children's TV Channel - Akili Kids! Launches

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On 31 March 2020, Akili Network launched Akili Kids!, Kenya's first and only dedicated free-to-air children's television network with imaginative learning programs that parents can trust and will benefit children. Akili Kids! is digitally broadcasting to TVs, mobile devices and over the Internet.

Jesse Soleil, President & Co-founder said the launch is a culmination of almost 8 years of conceptualization and hard work that saw Akili Network venture into the vibrant Kenyan broadcast industry.

''We planned on launching on 31 March 2020, but with schools closed and children and parents at home we knew we had to hit that date. We had to accelerate in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, so that families across the country could have access tofree, inspiring and educative content,'' he said.

Mr. Soleil thanked the Communications Authority for the regulatory approval that saw Akili Kids! make its entrance into the Kenyan market, bringing children's content to the broadcasting industry and Kenyan audiences.

''Our Kenyan team overcame significant obstacles to get to launch, and we would not have been able to do it without the amazing support of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Pan Africa Network Group (PANG), East Africa Data Centre, and Liquid Telecom, and especially our lead investor The Kays Foundation," added Mr. Soleil.

"The power of entertainment cannot be underestimated. Akili Kids! has the potential to greatly enhance childhood experiences, and thus later life outcomes, for millions of young Kenyans. We are so proud of Jeff, Jesse and the team for their hard work getting on air," says Khilen Nathwani, Founder of The Kays Foundation.

Akili Kids! is a free-to-air channel, available on StarTimes/PANG Channel 105, and is free-to-view on digital TVs and some OTT set-top boxes, as well as streaming live via the website at https://akilikids.co.ke (in Kenya only).

"Our target is for 40% of our programming to be locally produced over the next three years. We already have some terrific local programmes in development," says CEO and co-founder Jeff Schon.

"We have an outstanding team in Nairobi, and as Akili Kids! viewership grows, so will our ability to develop, acquire and broadcast the most impactful children's in programming Kenya. We are also contributing to the growth of Kenya's creative economy by working with the vast pool of talent here to create inspiring and imaginative programmes for children," he adds.